….with Tara DeMaris

Stinkin’ Thinkin’

A frown, bedhead fauxhawk, and a pre-coffee grunt was enough warning that I. WAS. NOT. HAPPY!

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed was an understatement; try waking up on the wrong side of the sunrise! Flexible and charismatic did not define my personality that particular morning at 5:00 a.m. following a rude awakening to a paper route dilemma for my daughter. I was her plan B alternative.
Out the door I went, weighted down like a pack mule with all the stubbornness to boot. Grumbling and mumbling I shuffled along the quiet dark streets delivering one paper after another.
The longer I walked the lighter my load became literally and figuratively. With only a few papers left in my carrier bag, I suddenly realized my heart had been softened significantly. The Holy Spirit had been bringing to mind scriptural truths that were doing a work transforming my mind about this situation.

“…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I Cor. 10:31
“And whoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:41
One look at Christ’s life and you will witness a perfect servant. One who served in love all the way to a sacrificial death on a cross for the good of others, all while demonstrating a faithful and obedient heart towards the Father.

The attitude of gratitude quickly overshadowed this girl’s stinkin’ thinkin’!
Praise God He showed me a better road to take, modeling for my own kids three things:
1) What NOT to do when asked to lend a hand.
2) How the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to transform your mind
3) How to repent and say, “I was wrong in my attitude and actions. Will you forgive me for choosing that path?”
Take heart, friend. Give God the broken pieces of your stinkin’ thinkin’ and watch Him pave a glorious path of redeeming love found in Christ alone. It is our invitation today!
Father, You are so kind towards us even when we are undeserving. You are compassionate and slow to anger. You handled my terrible morning scenario with mercy and grace I did not deserve. Father, You are able to turn our hearts back to you through the powerful message of your Son; His life of love and service even unto death to redeem us and pardon our sin. Help us to cherish Your Word. It is alive and active and able to change us for your glory. ~ Amen

Cindy Nyberg

Cindy comes into Titus II Woman Ministry with a gift of writing and speaking. Her passion to share the goodness of Jesus Christ spills from the page and into your heart. Cindy is known to light up the room with the joy of Jesus and contagious laughter! Admittedly she says her one and only hobby is enjoying great conversation with friends over a good cup of coffee. She volunteers her time with multiple ministries within her home church. She is the wife to Tracy and mom to four amazing kids. Together, Cindy and her family make their home in Nebraska. Visit her blog at http://www.coffeeandcredo.com“Only one life ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last”-Charles Studd.